Nationals Name Dusty Baker Manager After Reportedly Selecting Bud Black

Dusty Baker was named manager of the Washington Nationals in a stunning reversal after it was expected the team would hire Bud Black as Matt Williams' successor.

The Nationals confirmed the decision Tuesday after Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported Monday that the club changed its mind regarding Black:

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Nats people were said to be leaning toward Baker even over the weekend, though multiple reports suggested the job was already Black's. Baker is seen as someone who can handle superstars, so he'd fit with the Nats, who have arguably baseball's best player in Bryce Harper. Baker previously managed Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa with much success.

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The Nats were said to have been in talks with Black, but word is nothing had ever been settled, despite the reports. The team had keen interest in Baker from the start.

Bleacher Report's Scott Miller reported Tuesday that the Nationals' initial offer to Black was for one year and $1.6 million, then the team attempted to offer two years and "more lowball salary."

Hiring someone of Baker's status is not surprising, given Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo had expressed his desire to have an experienced manager, saying on a conference call with reporters on Oct. 5 that "we certainly would lean toward someone who had some managerial experience, particularly at the major league level," per Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post.